California Family Destination Guide

Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park  features more than 40 family attractions including six majestic gardens, educational exhibits, rides and the world famous Circus Trees.  The gardens were formerly Bonfante Gardens and are California’s only horticultural theme park. The gardens includes rides, attractions, theme gardens, food concessions, an Events Plaza, and more. Some attractions are very unusual, including 50 years old, one-of-a-kind Circus Trees rescued from Scotts Valley, California. The gardens are the perfect place to spend with the family. Rides are fun but not too extreme and will not frighten even the youngest kids. For anyone visiting the Gilroy California Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park  should be on the top of your to do list.

• Illions Supreme Carousel – One of the most ornate carousels ever built and one of only three ever produced by M.C. Illions, this beauty dates back to 1927.
• Garlic Twirl – Climb inside a giant Gilroy garlic bulb and spin around while surrounded by olive trees.
• Artichoke Dip – This family-friendly artichoke loops around a bumpy track.
• Apple & Worm – Young visitors will especially love a garden worm that travels around as it eats its way through a giant apple core.
• South County Backroads – Step back in time and cruise through lavishly landscaped grounds in either a roadster from the 1920’s or a Chevy Corvette from the 1950’s.
• Rainbow Garden Round Boat Ride – Float through a spectacular annual color garden full of topiary art in a gentle boat ride.
• Mushroom Swing – Climb aboard a flying swing suspended from a mushroom and get a birds-eye view of the park.
• Panoramic Wheel – Travel in a lavender gondola up and above a 60-foot greenhouse on this delicate, classic Ferris wheel ride.
• Claudia’s Carousel – This beautiful reminder of a simpler time is located in Claudia’s Garden and is intended for small children.
• Sky Trail Monorail – Look down for an aerial view of the flowers and plants in the Monarch Garden as this monorail ride cruises through the greenhouse and west end of the park.
• Quicksilver Express Mine Coaster – This thrilling mine train coaster speeds through dips and turns surrounded by nearly 600 trees.
• Trains (Coyote & Redwood) – All aboard! This authentic narrow-gauge railroad with custom-designed roofs allows guests to experience a full 180-degree view and a guided learning tour of the park.
• Tubs-O-Fun – Small kids will love this version of a teacup ride.
• Balloon Flight – Float through the clouds in balloon baskets, each complete with a colorful big balloon, on this family ride.
• Paddle Boats – Paddle along and explore Coyote Lake in a swan or duck paddle boat.
• Timber Twister Coaster – This kids’ coaster is tucked away in a hidden glen surrounded by hundreds of trees, watch out for the garden snake train as it travels towards the station!
• Strawberry Sundae – Take a spin in a juicy red strawberry that represents one of five crops grown locally.
• Bulgy the Goldfish – Cute goldfish delight young park visitors on this ride that is just their size!
• Banana Split – Swing back and forth on a giant banana!
• Big Red Engine Co. – Mini fire engines sure to please the little ones.
• Pit Stop Racer – Another ride for the little ones, this one has mini race cars.

Open weekends from Saturday, March 31 through Monday, May 28 and Friday, April 6 and April 9–13 for Spring Break. Gilroy Gardens, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Non-profit Corporation. 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy (Hwy 152), Gilroy, CA 95020 - (408) 840-7100

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